SECURITY: Gov. Okowa Calls For Synergy Among Stakeholders

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for synergy among government, security agencies, and communities to check the myriad of security challenges affecting the country.

Speaking at the weekend during the 14^th Synod of the Asaba Diocese of the Anglican Communion which was attended by top government functionaries, clergymen from within and outside the diocese, Governor Okowa said there was the need for the government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders to synergise on how to tackle the various security challenges facing the nation.

Governor Okowa

“There are lots of security challenges facing our nation today, we have the menace of Fulani herdsmen, pipeline vandalism and kidnapping on the increase in various parts of the country, it is a worrisome state we find ourselves. The Federal Government is trying to find solutions to these challenges, on our part, we have gotten the council chairmen involved to set up task force to liaise with the various stakeholders to minimise the frictions associated with the herdsmen’s menace in our communities”, he said.

Okowa who stated that Nigeria constitution made it impossible to prevent movement of Nigerians in any part of the country, advised against the bearing of arms and retaliatory attacks from communities.

He blamed the present security challenges on desertification and lack of proper planning in the past to provide ranches for migrant herdsmen.

The governor who described the theme of the Synod “Sir, We Wish to See Jesus” as apt, charged Nigerians to continue to pray for the nation and the leaders asserting, “in this present time, the church needs to pray for our country, take our leaders to God and ask him to touch their hearts to lead the people aright, we must continue to pray for the President and all leaders.”

Earlier, in his sermon, Rt. Revd Israel Amoo, Bishop of New Bussa Diocese urged political leaders to ensure fairness, justice and equity in all their activities for the development of the nation, stressing that Christians should be focused, committed, selfless and disciplined if they desire eternal life.

In a welcome address, the Bishop of Asaba Diocese, Rt. Revd Justus Mogekwu appealed to governors in Southern Nigeria to unite and put up a common front to tackle the menace of Fulani herdsmen in their area.